it essentially works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it essentially works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something functions or operates in a fundamental or basic way, even if there may be some limitations or nuances. Example: "The new software has some bugs, but it essentially works for the tasks we need it to perform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It essentially works like a diesel electric locomotive," Baggarly notes.

BBC

It essentially works like similar telecommunication software such as Skype and Google Hangouts, but what sets GoToMeeting apart from other apps is how easy it is to use.

Forbes

Since Found runs on the Mac, it essentially works like an extended, very souped-up version of Apple's handy Spotlight search function.

TechCrunch

When equipped with the right features, it essentially works like this: You pay a lump-sum premium, and, in exchange, an insurance company guarantees you a paycheck for the rest of your life (or lives, if the spousal option is elected).

Forbes

For a business that is built on scale and margins (it essentially works on a model of taking wholesale numbers and data from larger carriers and reselling by way of its API) more and larger enterprise users among its customer base — for solutions that range from customer service through to Internet-of-things machine-to-machine applications — can only help that strategy.

TechCrunch

"It essentially works as a similar concept to a skimmer box from your pool filter," Richard Talmage, a Seabin spokesman, told Australian news show 9 News. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The predictive power of an anxiety-prone temperament, such as it is, essentially works in just one direction: not by predicting what these children will become but by predicting what they will not.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is powerful, and essentially works in much the same way as Star Walk or SkySafari does.

The New York Times

Fridges and freezers: A fridge essentially works in the opposite way than heating, so it may be modelled similarly.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

"Borat essentially works as a tool.

Independent

"Borat essentially works as a tool," Baron Cohen explained.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it essentially works" to describe a simplified explanation of how something functions, especially when omitting technical details for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it essentially works" when describing something that is highly complex or has significant exceptions to its functionality, as it can oversimplify the reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it essentially works" functions as a descriptor of a process or system's operational mode. It simplifies complex mechanisms to their basic working principles, which, according to Ludwig AI, makes it a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it essentially works" serves as a concise way to describe the core functionality of a system or process, offering a simplified explanation for easier understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While commonly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it broadly applicable. Remember to use this phrase when aiming for clarity and simplification, but avoid it when technical precision is crucial. Alternatives like "it basically functions" or "it fundamentally operates" can offer similar clarity with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it basically functions

This alternative is more straightforward, replacing "essentially" with "basically" for a simpler explanation of functionality.

it fundamentally operates

This phrase emphasizes the core operational principles, using "fundamentally" to highlight the basic workings.

it effectively works

This alternative emphasizes the effectiveness of the operation, implying a successful outcome.

it primarily runs

Focuses on the action of running as the main mode of operation, suitable for processes or systems.

it generally operates

Highlights that the operation is typical or usual, using "generally" to indicate common functionality.

it mainly performs

Highlights the primary actions or tasks executed, using "mainly" to show the key functions.

it chiefly runs

Focuses on what is most important about how something runs, similar to primarily.

it largely executes

Indicates that the system or process executes its tasks in a broad or general manner.

it virtually operates

Suggests an operation that is almost complete or effective in most respects, similar to "essentially".

it practically functions

Emphasizes the real-world application and functionality, using "practically" to mean in a useful way.

FAQs

How can I use "it essentially works" in a sentence?

You can use "it essentially works" to describe how something operates in a simplified way. For example, "The engine is complex, but "it essentially works" by converting heat into motion".

What phrases are similar to "it essentially works"?

Similar phrases include "it basically functions", "it fundamentally operates", and "it effectively works".

Is "it essentially works" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "it essentially works" is more suited for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise and detailed explanations.

What does "essentially" mean in the context of "it essentially works"?

In this context, "essentially" means 'basically' or 'fundamentally'. It indicates that the description captures the key aspects of how something functions, even if it's not a complete or technically precise explanation.